Attorney General Ashley Moody, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced the arrests of nine individuals on charges related to human trafficking. (WJCB Image)

TALLAHASSEE, FLORIDA – Attorney General Ashley Moody, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced the arrests of nine individuals on charges related to human trafficking.

Authorities began the human trafficking investigation after receiving an anonymous tip about an online ad offering a minor for sex.

“This human trafficking investigation began with an anonymous tip—a brave individual who saw a child in trouble and reported it to law enforcement,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody.

“Because of that tip, exceptional law enforcement work and legal support from our statewide prosecutors, the victim was rescued and those responsible are behind bars.”

On May 16, 2017, the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office received information of an adult prostituting a minor from a residence in Brooksville. The initial anonymous tip provided the name of the minor, the address and a phone number.

Investigators immediately identified the child and located several Backpage.com advertisements linked to the provided phone number.

Within 24 hours, authorities conducted an undercover sting operation that resulted in the rescue of the minor. The minor is safe and recovering at an undisclosed shelter that specializes in providing trauma-informed care for minors who are survivors of sex trafficking.

Over the last two years, the minor assisted law enforcement in this investigation by providing details about the trafficker.

The minor described the transportation arrangements to locations in counties around the state by the trafficker, all for engaging in commercial sex with adult men. On some occasions, the minor stayed overnight with the adults. Many of the men would come to the home that the minor shared with the trafficker to engage in commercial sex.

With the minor’s assistance, HCSO worked diligently to identify and locate persons as repeat customers.

The following individuals are facing human trafficking charges in connection to the investigation: